antique auctions

January 6, 2009

Pasadena California Antique Dealers

Filed under: Antique Dealers

The city of Pasadena, California may be a relatively small city (population under 150,000), however, due to it’s proximity to downtown Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Valley and the San Fernando Valley as well as it’s extremely popular "Old Town" shopping area and being the home of the Rose Bowl, it recieves a disproportionately large number of visitors every day.

While the citizens of Pasadena enjoy an income that is well above average, there are numerous other areas surrounding the city, such as Encino, Flintridge, Glendale, La Canada, La Crescenta, San Marino, Sierra Madre, etc., where many of the residents also have disposable income high enough to be able to afford the purchase of fine antiques.

Due to the foregoing many excellent antique dealers and shops have opened establishments in the city. Here you will find fine early american, spanish colonial, european, oriental and most any other type of antique furniture, accessories, jewelry, etc. you could wish for.

For a listing of Pasadena antique dealers that deal in real antiques, not used furniture, so called "estate jewelry" or other lesser quality items see http://pasadena.usacitydirectories.com/antiquedealer.html. Most of the dealers that I spoke with have been friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable. Several have buyers that travel the world in order to locate top quality pieces for their clients. Many were even willing to refer me to other establishments if they were unable to supply me with what I was looking for.

For more information about the city of Pasadena, California see http://pasadena.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to city of Pasadena, California guides and directories listing hotels, restaurants, churches, physicians, attorneys, information, resources, services, things to do, places to go, art galleries, service organizations, auto dealers, nursing homes, convalescent hospitals, antique dealers and more.

Ways Of Finding And Buying Antiques

Filed under: Antique Dealers

 them I collect antiques and give you’re number and let them know they can call if they know someone who could help you. It may seem like a tiring tactic but it could help.

You could post different index cards on your local bulletin boards every Monday with one item that is on your list and your willingness to buy the item. If glassware is on your list, you can place “Collector will buy such old glass dishes”. You can keep posting different things that are on your list, and the want list doesn’t even have to be all fancy all you need is the information.

If that doesn’t appeal to you , you can look in the classified ads to see if someone is selling any Rvs & Campers Service, Drapery Cleaning, Carpets, go and check it out sometimes you can get a great deal or even bargain with the owner. Now that would be great getting the furniture you wanted and paying less all at the same time, you can’t beat that.

Another way would be the internet, which has become more useful and easier to find things. There are many sites that cater to selling antique furniture. Or you could look up where to buy them or some good deals on antique furniture.

So go out there and fine the antique furniture you’re always dreaming of, it won’t come to you. With a little effort you can find what you’re looking for and enjoy it for many years to come.

Aspects To Consider When Shopping Online For Antiques

Filed under: Antique Dealers

Online shopping is a great way to look for items to buy without having to travel to a store and wait in lines. One group of items that more and more individuals are purchasing online is that of antiques and collectibles. These items are readily available in the online format and one can peruse their options via the Internet and see if any items peak their interest. There are a few specific factors to consider when engaging in antiques and collectibles online shopping like in : Los Angeles Classifieds.

The first factor one should consider is what type of item they are looking to obtain. By having this information in mind, one is better able to search the World Wide Web for the item that they desire. If one has a certain antiques and collectible item in mind, they can adequately format their keyword search which will bring them right to the website where these items may be for sale. Therefore, in order to save time and find exactly what one is looking for, it is beneficial to have a specific item for purchase in mind when going online.

One should also consider the price that they are looking to spend on antiques and collectibles purchase online. This will help the prospective buyer to not only narrow down their options but prevent them from being tempted by higher-priced items which they know that they cannot afford. With that said, it is important for the buyer to have a set price range in mind before they start their antiques and collectibles online shopping spree.

Another factor to consider when shopping for antiques and collectibles online is what type of website and/or company they are dealing with in the online forum. Since antiques and collectibles should be originals, it is important that one can adequately view their advertised items online. It is crucial for the websites to post pictures of the items as this will provide the buyer with some idea as to the authenticity of the item as well as a general knowledge with regard to what the item looks like.

Dealing along the same lines as authenticity, one should also consider if the online seller of antiques and collectibles provides a warranty or a money-back guarantee to the purchaser should the item not be what the buyer was looking for. This will provide the individual purchaser with some peace of mind in knowing that should they receive the item and it prove to not be authentic they can send it back and obtain a full refund.

Lastly, one who is embarking on an antiques and collectibles online shopping trip should look into what type of payment options the seller offers. It is important that the individual is using a secure website for giving out that information. Most websites will post statements saying that their payment system is secured by a particular online security function. This is a good thing to look into prior to exchanging any pertinent financial information with the seller.

Chinese art antiques - A brief bit of history

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Chinese Art

Different forms of art have been influenced by great philosophers, teachers, religious figures and even political leaders.

Early forms of art in China were made from pottery and jade in the Neolithic period, to which bronze was added in the Shang Dynasty. The Shang are most remembered for their bronze casting, noted for its clarity of detail.

Fragments of pottery vessels dating from around the year 9000 BC found at the Xianrendong (Spirit Cave) site, Wannian County, in the province of Jiangxi represent some of the earliest known Chinese ceramics. The wares were hand-made by coiling and fired in bonfires. Decorations include impressed cord marks, and features produced by stamping and piercing.

The Xianrendong site was occupied from about 9000 BC to about 4000 BC. During this period two types of pottery were made. The first consisted of coarse-bodied wares possibly intended for everyday use. The second being finer, thinner-bodied wares possibly intended for ritual use or special occasions. There is archaeological evidence suggesting that both types of wares were produced at the same time at some point.

Some experts believe the first true porcelain was made in the province of Zhejiang during the Eastern Han period. Chinese experts emphasize the presence of a significant proportion of porcelain-building minerals (china clay, porcelain stone or a combination of both) as an important factor in defining porcelain. Shards recovered from archaeological Eastern Han kiln sites estimated firing temperature ranged from 1260 to 1300°C, as far back as 1000 BC. In early imperial China, porcelain was introduced and was refined to the point that in English the word china has become synonymous with high-quality porcelain.

During the Sui and Tang periods (581 to 906) a wide range of ceramics, low-fired and high-fired, were produced. These included the well-known Tang lead-glazed sancai (three-colour) wares, the high-firing, lime-glazed Yue celadon wares and low-fired wares from Changsha. In northern China, high-fired, translucent porcelains were made at kilns in the provinces of Henan and Hebei. One of the first mentions of porcelain by a foreigner was made by an Arabian traveler during the Tang Dynasty who recorded that:
‘’"They have in China a very fine clay with which they make vases which are as transparent as glass; water is seen through them. The vases are made of clay"

Tang Sancai burial wares have become a very popular for of art. "Sancai" means three-colours. However, the colours of the glazes used to decorate the wares of the Tang dynasty were not limited to three in number. In the West, Tang sancai wares were sometimes referred to as egg-and-spinach by dealers for the use of green, yellow and white. Though the latter of the two colours might be more properly described as amber and off-white / cream.

Car Insurance For An Antique Car: Route To Get Antique Car Insurance

Filed under: Antique Dealers

Besides their needs, certain people reinstate antiques car as a leisure Pursuit. These antiques car also require insurance cover on them. Your work is to find out the insurance company which provides Car Insurance for an Antique Car. There are a number of reasons such owners can provide to support their neglect for acquiring proper car insurance for an antique car, but to be so neglectful is borderline irresponsible. If one is going to invest a great deal of money in purchasing an Antique car, then a proper Car Insurance for an Antique Car policy will properly compliment the investment of the antique car.

Insurance Companies Providing Car Insurance for an Antique Car:

Not all insurance providers insure all types of cars. There are a multitude of different antique cars and the totality of antique cars includes exotic cars, military vehicles, motorcycles, tractors and trucks. As such, different antique car insurance policies will be needed to cover the various different makes and models of cars that are out there on the market. Keep in mind Car Insurance for an Antique Car policy take into consideration the equity value of the cars and vehicles.

A person looking for insurance for their vehicle has Car Insurance for an Antique Car from which to choose, and sometimes information can be conflicting and difficult to understand. Contractual language in most insurance policies is difficult to understand without an interpreter and even then, the meanings of some language may seem to be contradicted in other areas of the contract.

Self Governing Car Insurance for an Antique Car:

There are many self-determining assurance companies available to Title Insurance Title And Escrow Services . While the basic premise of obtaining Car Insurance for an Antique Car is the same for all car insurance companies, how they sell the policies, price the coverage and react to customer claims is what separates them. Car Insurance for an Antique Car must be licensed to sell insurance in the state in which they do business and not all will be available in every state. Depending on an area’s history of claims due to theft, weather-related losses and driving reputation a company may decide not to do business in a particular part of a state. Although there is some regulation concerning a company’s ability to only service certain areas. These companies lean to focus in antique car insurance and will not cover any other types of cars.

There are also many insurance companies presented to purchase car insurance for a classic car. These companies tend to specialize in Classic Car Insurance and will not insure any other types of cars. Some of these independent insurance companies will only insure a particular type of classic car, so if the car you are attempting to insure is a rare one, if may be difficult to find an insurance provider that will insure it. When choosing an independent insurance company to provide car insurance for a classic car, be sure that the company is a reputable one. You do not want to find that after months of paying the insurance premiums that the company will not or is unable to pay your insurance claim.

Buying Antique Collectible Teapots Without Spilling Too Much

Filed under: Antique Dealers

Antique collectible teapots are prized possessions and many people love to collect them from many places in the world at very high prices. Do you know how to ensure that you get the best collectible teapots at the least cost? Read on and get some valuable insights in how you can avoid overpaying for your antique collectible teapots:

1. Check it out thoroughly – before you decide to buy the antique piece, ensure that you have examined it thoroughly for cracks, repair or retouch marks, and the like. During this inspection, find out where it originates. Do not buy something you think is an antique from England to find out later that it is an imitation from Indonesia or China.

2. Research the item before you go see it – knowledge is your best weapon against any type of fraud. Ensure that you know everything there is to know about the item and then it will be next to impossible for you to pick imitation collectible teapots. The imitations are getting better and better every day – so be careful that when you want to buy antique collectible teapots, that is what you get.

3. Develop a few trusted shops whether you buy online or in person – developing a relationship with the seller would ensure that you are most unlikely to be cheated. You will receive better service when you are regular with a shop than a first-time buyer. You will also be assured of the quality of the collectible teapots you are buying since the seller would not like to risk losing a good customer by cutting corners with you.

4. Take your time when you are choosing what you want to buy – do not grab the fist thing you see and pay for it. Many times what seems a wonderful bargain is actually the most worthless thing. Always shop when you have sufficient time so that you can check out the authenticity of both the shop and the item, before you decide to make a purchase.

5. Be careful when you attend an auction – many people get so excited when the auction is conducted that they go over their budget with their bids. Do not let this happen to you. Before you go for the auction, make a note of the budget you have for spending, and come what may, do not exceed your limitations in the fever of the auction.

If you keep these few simple guidelines in mind you will be able to make great purchases and get value for your money at the same time like in home accents unique giftware.

January 5, 2009

As you can see from HomeLand Art

Filed under: Antique Dealers

As you can see from HomeLand Art’s gallery there are three paintings of Howth. Two of these paintings depict the harbour and the third painting is of the Bailey Lighthouse, looking over Dublin Bay.

Howth is a wonderful place to visit and is a nice little escape for anyone spending time in Dublin City. Situated just 9 miles from the city centre, it takes about 25 minutes to get to by Dart (Dublin’s electric rail system). You can also get a bus to Howth Summit where the views across Dublin bay are breathtaking. On a clear day you can see as far south as Wexford and looking east you can make out the mountains of Wales. From here you can see the Bailey Lighthouse and it’s view across Dublin Bay to the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains. Our painting of the Bailey Lighthouse was painted not far from the summit where the cliff walk begins.

I would highly recommend, for anyone visiting Howth for the first time, to make their way to the summit on the 31C bus. From Howth Summit you can take the cliff walk and make your way down to Howth Harbour. The last time I took this route it took me around 45mins to an hour. It’s an ideal way to lead up to lunchtime because by the time you get down to the villiage you will have built up a hearty appetite and probably a fierce thirst!

There are no shortage of restaurants and bars. Here are my favourites, with a brief description:

The Bloody Stream. Situated just beneath Howth Dart Station. My favourite day to visit here is a sunday afternoon when they normally have a roaring fire (in the winter time usually!). My favourite is the chowder.

Findlaters. A good spot at night. The bar on the top floor has a nice patio with views over Howth Harbour and beyond to the Island of Ireland’s Eye.

The Waterside Pub. A good pint of Guinness and very nice bar food. If you want to eat something more substantial the Wheelhouse restaurant upstairs is a good choice.

Abbey Tavern. This is a favourite for a lot of tourists passing through. There is normally a traditional music session taking place.

The Cock Tavern. A real local and a favourite for the fishermen off the boats. The Guinness and the craic is great.

For anyone looking for non-pub related activities there is plenty to do in Howth. If you like golf, Deerpark Hotel has 2 18-hole public golf courses on it’s grounds, as well as a par 3 course. As far as public golf courses go, you can’t get better than this on a fine day. The views are incredible.

On the driveway up to the golf courses, you can stop off at the old castle and visit the Transport Museum. It’s small but very interesting.

A favourite for a lot of people on a sunny afternoon is to take an hour or two, get a 99 (ice cream) just wander around the harbour. There is plenty of activity to observe and the seals normally make an appearance. There are plenty of boats to admire. Our 2 paintings of the harbour and the lighthouse in the background are favourites of locals and visitors alike.

We hope you visit Howth and we hope you like our artwork.

Artists Biographies on Film: Top Movies about Visual Artists

Filed under: Antique Dealers

Visual artists biographies is a popular theme in the movie world. Moviemakers have always been fascinated by visual artists biographies, especially if it includes struggle with insanity, drug addiction or social conventions. In addition, it gives them an opportunity to depict original or resurrected artworks on the big screen.
Here you can read about some of the most interesting movies about visual artists biographies.
Lust for Life directed by Vincente Minnelli in 1952

Vincent Van Gogh biography had gained several cinematic adaptations. Lust for Life with Kirk Douglas as the struggling artist is one of the most notable. The movie is based on a best selling book by Irving Stone, who also authored The Agony and the Ecstasy about Michelangelo, which also had appeared on the silver screen.

If you are a fan of Van Gogh artwork, you would enjoy watching Last for Life, which features almost 200 of Van Goghs original paintings. However, if you are familiar with Kirk Douglas previous filmographic, seeing him as a tortured Dutch painter might take a little adjustment. Another recommended film about Van Gogh is Robert Altmans Vincent and Theo from 1990.

Surviving Picasso directed by James Ivory in 1996

Like Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso image made him an iconic figure outside the artistic circles. While Van Gogh symbolizes the self destructive, manic depressive artist who achieves success only after his death, Picasso represents the misanthropic and womanizer artist. Picasso infamous relationship with women is the focus of this Merchant and Ivory film. The story is told from the eyes of Picasso mistress Francoise Gilot and features only reproductions of Picasso works. With Anthony Hopkins talent and his physical resemblance to Picasso, Surviving Picasso manages to create an unflattering portrait of an artist as a cruel, self centered genius.

Girl with Pearl Earring directed by Peter Webber in 2003

Comparing to Van Gogh and Picasso, Vermeers biography is less known and less controversial. Therefore Girl with Pearl Earring is much more restrained and delicate. The movie focuses on a short period in Vermeers life in which he was painting the portrait of his young low class maid. Although Girl with Pearl Earring does not avoid filmic conventions by over dramatizing Vermeers painting process, the movie is worth watching if only for its artistic design, which success in evoking Vermeers perception of light and color.

Basquiat directed by Julian Schnabel in 1996

The most common critique against movies that deals with visual arts is the way they depict the creation process. Therefore, there were big expectations from Basquiat, which was directed by the celebrated painter Julian Schnabel. Schnabel did well in depicting Jean Michelle Basquiat rise and fall story in less the predictable manner we have seen millions time before. However, the only reason to watch Basquiat is David Bowie plays the role of Andy Warhol.

Frida directed by Julie Taymor in 2002

Like most of the visual artists who had their life story appear on the silver screen, Frida Kahlo carried an unusual biography, which includes bus accident, problematic marriage, and an affair with Leon Trotsky. Like Van Gogh, Picasso and Jackson Pollock, who was the subject of a biopic from 2000, Frida Kahlo was an icon long before Frida was released, but the 123 minutes film did help to strength her position as a feminist idol and probably the most famous woman painter of the 20 century. Frida tries its best to integrate Frida Kahlo life story with her painting and the result is very colorful and pleasant, but still does not stay far enough from the conventions of depicting artists on film.

7 Steps to Connect with your Angels

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The room you are in is filled with Angels!

The next room you go to will be filled with Angels and Angels will be at your side with every step you take today. The Angels are with us and are eager to help us.

How do I know that? That’s my specialty - I am an author, workshop leader and Ordained Minister whose specialty is Angels. For the past 10 years I have been helping people in private sessions and in workshops to connect more deeply with their Angels for help and assistance.

Angels are truly universal. The Pew Foundation reported that 72% of Americans believe in Angels. This is a much higher percentage than Americans who believe in any world religion, because Angels are fundamental to most of the world’s major religions. We find them in Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Mormonism and many other spiritual traditions.

St. Augustine, an authority on Angels, said, "Make friends with Angels." He recommended that we make personal relationships with Angels and that we let our relationships with them deepen - much as we would with any important, intimate relationship.

Asking an Angel for help is one of our most powerful spiritual practices. We can ask the Angels for immediate help at any time and in any place. Here are some techniques that will help you:

1) Ask for help - Angels offer us help 24/7. The more receptive we are, the more help they can give us. If you diminish your receptivity you limit the Angels ability to help you. Create your own invocations, or prayers, that specifically call for the help you need. Realize that when you call upon an Angel, what really happens is that you open yourself into greater receptivity to their assistance. (See the Angel Messages at www.AskAnAngel.org for examples of invocations.)

When asking for help, it’s important to realize yourself as fully worthy of Angelic assistance. Angles Work with everyone regardless of personal histories and beliefs. Angels are infinite and omnipresent - your request does not diminish them in anyway nor does it affect their ability to help the rest of us at the same time. They exist beyond our experience of time and space and respond to everyone with complete unconditional love.

2) Connect with your inner divine child as you call upon the Angels and ask for help. Your inner divine child is whole, innocent and true and recognizes Angels as trustworthy gifts of Creator. This will help create openness, receptivity, excitement, eagerness and wonder as you prepare to receive the gift your Angels have prepared for you.

3) Hand everything over to the Angels when you ask for their help: every issue, problem, worry and fear as well as every good intention and positive outcome you imagine as the result of your request. Release all expectations of how your request will be answered.

4) Express Appreciation and Gratitude - Find and express genuine appreciation and gratitude for things exactly as they are. If you are struggling with this, ask the Angels to help you to find the love that is present in whatever difficulty you are facing. Have patience with this and let go of any expectation of how this love may be revealed to you.

5) Know that it is done - Every request is answered and help is always given. If you fear that your request will not be answered, then also ask for help in understanding. Trust that you will see the love in every answered prayer. You are known completely and loved unconditionally by the Angels and nothing that will serve you is ever withheld from you.

6) Act quickly on the guidance you receive. Accept the opportunity and act upon it immediately. Angelic help is infinite and unlimited - you can not use it up or run out of it. You cannot ask for "too much" and the Angels are joyously happy to give to you without limit. The faster you act, the faster you receive more assistance!

7) Celebrate yourself exactly as you are in the moment. Leave any critical judgments or negative feelings about yourself, your life, or others in the hands of the Angels for healing. Even if it is just for a few moments, let go of everything that is not of love for yourself and everything around you. In this moment of surrender much more can done for you by the Angels than you can accomplish on your own. Thank yourself and the Angels for deepening the relationship between you.

3D Animation

Filed under: Antique Dealers

3D animation deals with electronically produced computer-generated 3D imagery used in motion graphics and digital special effects. In this case, the animator creates a design style or concept that tries to visually interpret and convey the required information using both new and traditional animation techniques.

The 3D animator will have to be well-acquainted with 3D animation applications and software, film and video production techniques, production processes, digital special effects, art and design movements and methodology, typography, styles of performance and dramatization, film and broadcast genres, technical scripting, health and safety regulations for the film and broadcast industry, and an understanding of budgeting and scheduling processes.

The job of the 3D animator is to design and realize original concepts, character and content creation. The animator, therefore, is responsible for devising and communicating creative ideas and accurate technical information. They have to provide the client with detailed estimates of costs, and work within the budget and schedule.

Each assignment will have different demands. So it is imperative that the animator should have a good knowledge and experience of animation software and broadcast processes, as well as a broad knowledge of technical scripting and digital technology used in broadcasting. The designer must be able to respond with innovative concepts and practical solutions for each assignment. The assignments may be of any kind, from designing a spinning top to re-creating mythical weapons.

To succeed in 3D animation, one must have a thorough understanding of computer-generated processes and applications to be able to achieve creative responses to design briefs within the restrictions of budget and deadline. He/she will be required to possess a passion for design, good communication skills and a good understanding of broadcast, special effects and character animation. Last but not least, he or she must enjoy working as a team member under pressure.

In addition to being able to demonstrate high standards of computer-generated imagery and animation techniques you will need to have a good knowledge of art and design movements and imagery, creative problem solving and innovation, and the understanding of how to deliver design concepts and processes.






















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